CHICAGO — Prosecutors have charged a man with attempted murder, saying he shot a complete stranger outside a West Englewood gas station after the man claimed to not have a gang affiliation.
Miguel Arredondo, 19, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery by discharging a firearm in connection with the November 15 shooting at the Clark station, 7050 South Damen.
Prosecutors said four different Chicago police officers who’ve had contact with Arredondo in the past recognized him from surveillance footage of the incident.
During a recent court appearance, prosecutors said the 20-year-old victim encountered Arredondo after going to the gas station to buy snacks. Arredondo approached the man, who lives on the North Side, and asked which gang he belonged to, officials said.
The victim claimed that he didn’t belong to any gang and an argument ensued. Arredondo was allegedly waiting for the victim when he stepped outside and the situation escalated.
Prosecutors said Arredondo pulled out a gun during the second encounter and shot the man five times: in the leg, hip, and groin. The shots broke the victim’s thigh bone, and he has undergone multiple surgeries to repair the damage.
Judge David Kelly detained Arredondo as a public safety risk, saying Arredondo had been adjudicated delinquent for gun violations twice as a juvenile. The judge said Arredondo received probation both times and failed to complete either sentence successfully.
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